Book Review: Another Day, Another Dali

The world of art theft can be a deadly game–one that Serena Jones understands all too well.

When FBI Special Agent Serena Jones takes on the case of a forged Dali painting as a favor to her grandmother, she assumes it will be a typical investigation. Hopefully collaring the thief will also mean finally measuring up in her grandmother’s eyes. But the deeper she delves into the forgery and the suspects surrounding it, the less typical it becomes.

The Dali isn’t the only painting that’s fallen prey to the forgery-replacing thief, raising the possibility of a sophisticated theft ring — one with links to dirty cops, an aspiring young artist, and the unsolved murder of Serena’s grandfather. To make matters worse, someone connected to the forgeries seems to be determined to stop Serena’s investigation — no matter the cost.

Another Day, Another Dali gives the plucky Serena Jones–and readers–a new high-stakes case to crack. You won’t want to miss a single brushstroke!

Never having read anything by Sandra Orchard, I didn’t fully know what to expect with this novel. And I find coming in on the second in a series is usually a poor idea. True to my concerns, this book started out slowly. I struggled to truly engage with the characters, though they were interesting and likable enough. However, as the story progressed, I found myself more and more pulled in. By the end, I was surprised to find myself researching when book 3 might be coming out! It’s a mark of a good book when the reader is anxious for another.

Another Day, Another Dali is fairly formulaic: the mob, a dirty cop, a meddling family. The plot is quite simple and contains few new ideas. However, even the predictable plot left me wanting to know more about Serena’s life, and maybe even be friends with her myself. And that’s not something I take lightly.

Both men in the novel, the kind-hearted, sweet neighbor Nate and the dashing FBI special agent Tanner, are believable characters. Serena’s interactions and relationships with both are realistic and approachable. Aunt Martha is a perfect supporting character, and I think I could use an Aunt Martha in my own life! She keeps Serena on her toes and helps nudge along the plot when need be.

While the plot is simple, and there were times when it was all too obvious, it is a tried and true plot to hang a story on and cannot fully be faulted. The art theft angle does make the novel somewhat unique and interesting. And while in most novels it is quite clear who the romantic interest will be, Orchard managed to make her way through the entire novel without tipping her hand as to which eligible young man will have a future with Serena, and both appear to have some hidden secrets.

Another Day, Another Dali might be considered a light novel, but given the chance, I’d pick up another Sandra Orchard novel to spend a few hours in Serena’s world.

I received a complimentary copy of Another Day, Another Dali from Revell Books, but I was not otherwise compensated for this review. All writing, thoughts, and opinions are solely mine.